Roxicodone (Roxy) Addiction: Effects, Interactions & Dangers

Roxicodone is a powerful opioid that should be used cautiously due to the risk of abuse, addiction and lifelong health consequences.

Opioids can be dangerous, even when taken exactly as prescribed. As controlled substances, opioid medications carry the possibility of addiction, abuse, dependence and short and long-term health risks. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the possible consequences of abusing opioids like Roxy if you or a loved one take the medication.

What Is Roxy?

Roxicodone, sometimes known by the street name Roxy or Roxies, is an opioid painkiller. Roxicodone is the brand name for a short-acting form of oxycodone, which is 1.5 times stronger than morphine. The drug is available in pill form in tablet strengths of 5 mg, 15 mg and 30 mg and is prescribed to treat pain severe enough to need an opioid.

How Does Roxicodone Work?

Roxicodone acts on the mu opioid receptors of the central nervous system. Although experts aren’t sure exactly how the drug works, they know mu opioid receptors are linked to pain relief and are likely responsible for its effects.

Roxicodone Side Effects

Like all drugs, Roxies have some side effects. The drug’s most common effects are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Itchy skin
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fatigue

However, more serious side effects can occur, such as:

• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Poor circulation
• Cardiac arrest
• Low blood pressure
• Shock

Dangers of Roxicodone

As a Schedule II controlled substance, Roxicodone can be a dangerous drug, especially because it interacts with other depressants. Some risks of Roxy are:

• Overdose: Roxy carries an FDA boxed warning about the risk of overdose, especially when the drug is mixed with other depressants like benzodiazepines or alcohol.
• Serious side effects: Adverse effects like slowed breathing can be deadly because they prevent your body from getting enough oxygen.
• Addiction: As a controlled substance, Roxy carries a risk of abuse, addiction and dependence.
• Long-term health risks: Opioids like Roxy can cause long-term damage to your health.

Long-Term Effects of Roxy Use

When you take Roxy over the long term, you risk several chronic health complications. Medications often impact multiple organ systems in the body, leading to physical consequences that a person might not expect. Some of the long-term effects of opioids like Roxicodone include:

• Addiction
• Chronic constipation
• Breathing problems when you sleep
• Cardiovascular disease
• Falls
• Fractures
• Increased pain sensitivity
• Sexual dysfunction, including low libido and abnormal hormone levels
• Infertility
• Immunosuppression
• Nasal damage in those who snort the drug
• Vein problems in those who inject the drug
• Lung problems in those who smoke the drug

Roxicodone Addiction Treatment

If you struggle with Roxicodone, you are not alone; help is available. Our Roxy addiction experts at The Recovery Village at Baptist Health are here to help you every step of the way. Our Roxy medical detox options help wean you off the drug, and our multiple rehab and sober living options help you stay Roxy-free. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to learn more about how we can help.